Knife Edge Campground And River Access
4.3212 reviewsKnife Edge Campground And River Access
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This is a no-fee campground.
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About this campground
Tucked away along the crystal-clear waters of the Lochsa River, Knife Edge Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features just five peaceful campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings where stories are shared under starlit skies. Despite its rustic charm and simple amenities—including a vault restroom and changing room—this free campground welcomes adventurers with RVs up to 40 feet. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, navigating rapids by kayak, or simply listening to the river's ancient song, Knife Edge draws families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic connection with nature.
Knife Edge Campground and River Access provides primitive camping options suitable for both tents and RVs. There is no fee to use the campground, making it a budget-friendly option.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Knife Edge into a riverside paradise, with comfortable temperatures hovering between the 50s and 70s—perfect for splashing in the river or lounging in the shade of towering evergreens. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a photographer's dream, though winter brings a dramatic change. When snow blankets the surrounding peaks and temperatures dip between 20 and 40°F, access becomes challenging, turning this summer haven into a quiet, snow-draped wonderland accessible only to the most determined winter adventurers.
ElevationThe elevation is not explicitly stated.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the banks of the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, Knife Edge Campground immerses visitors in a cathedral of old-growth forest where sunlight filters through towering pines and firs. The river itself steals the show—its emerald pools and white-capped rapids creating a mesmerizing soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep each night. Morning mist rises from the water like nature's own theater curtain, revealing pristine wilderness views that stretch in every direction. This untouched landscape serves as both playground and sanctuary, where eagles soar overhead and the occasional elk might wander through camp at dusk.
Geological RegionKnife Edge Campground sits within the magnificent Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, a 4-million-acre wilderness that spans north-central Idaho. The campground's prime location along the federally designated Wild and Scenic Lochsa River places visitors in the heart of one of the West's last great wild places, where ancient geological forces carved deep river canyons through rugged mountain terrain, creating the dramatic landscape that captivates visitors today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large, with enough space to accommodate '4 tents and 3 vehicles' according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are not described as particularly secluded; the campground's small size and proximity to the main road likely reduce privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early, as the campground has only five sites, and they are first-come, first-served.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
8people per campsite
Groups
There are no group-specific campsites available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe layout includes five campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. The campsites are positioned close to the river, and some are reserved for rafter parking during the rafting season (May 1st through June 20th).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round as snow allows.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a walk-up only campground with no reservation system.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a diverse range of activities that take advantage of its location along the Lochsa River. Popular activities include fishing, non-motorized boating, and backpacking. Other recreational opportunities in the area include road cycling, scenic driving, sledding or tubing in winter, and OHV trail riding. However, while the campground is close to these activities, there are no hiking trails within walking distance. This limitation was noted in several user reviews.
Hiking
Day hikes and backpacking opportunities are available, but they require driving to nearby trailheads rather than departing directly from the campground.Fishing
The Lochsa River provides a 'nice stretch of river for fishing,' according to one user. Specific fish species are not listed.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the river. One user described it as 'nice swimming in the river.'Biking
Road cycling is an option in the area, utilizing nearby scenic roads.Boating
The campground provides access to the Lochsa River for non-motorized boating, which can include kayaking, canoeing, and floating.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground mentions 'Outdoor Science and Learning: Interpretive Areas/Exhibits' as a recreational opportunity.Winter Activities
Sledding and tubing are listed as winter activities in the area.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and floating on the river are popular.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSome user reviews mention the campground’s proximity to the main road, which results in occasional noise from truck traffic during the night.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to the Lochsa River, making it an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include the limited number of campsites, the proximity to the road creating noise, and the lack of water availability. Cleanliness of the restroom facilities has also been noted as suboptimal.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTravel 11.6 miles east on highway 12 from Lowell, ID. Site will be on the right.
The campground is accessible from Highway 12 and accommodates vehicles up to 40 feet long. However, access might be challenging during winter due to snow blockage.Nearby places
Lowell, ID: ~11.6 miles
Nearby supplies
The nearest town of Lowell, ID (~11.6 miles away) likely provides basic supplies, but further details are unavailable.
Camper Reviews
4.3
12 reviews
Knife Edge Campground And River Access is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Knife Edge Campground highlight its beautiful riverfront location, free access, and basic amenities. However, some reviewers noted issues such as the lack of clean restrooms, noise from the nearby road, and limited campsite availability during rafting season.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include the campground's 'beautiful small' setting, 'nice stretch of river for fishing,' 'fire pits with grates,' and 'ample dry wood around to start a fire.' Many...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on the cleanliness of the vault toilet, noise from road traffic, and limited campsite availability, particularly during rafting season (May-June). The lack of potable water...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water, arriving early to secure a site, and being prepared for noise from road traffic. They also suggest checking ahead during rafting season as some sites may be...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground sees an increase in traffic during rafting season (May-June), which can limit campsite availability and lead to more vehicles in the area. Winter access may be restricted due to snow,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Lovely no fee campsite right along the river.' - Keith Zelniker
2. 'Large campsites with good fire pits and big tables.' - Woodswoman
3. 'There were only two campsites available in the campground...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users highlight that not all campsites are available during the rafting season (May 1st to June 20th), and that signage for the campground is limited. Site numbers are not specified in the...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioning pet policies or pet-related experiences were found.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025